Raul Ibanez

He played only one season in the Bronx, but it would be difficult for anyone to say Raul Ibanez didn’t earn his pinstripes. Now at the end of his playing career, it appears the Yankees haven’t forgotten about him.

Aside from a brilliant half-season during an 18-8 2010, Hughes has been a huge disappointment. Now, nearing 27, with the sheen of youth scrubbed off and the “upside” banner quite tattered, it’s time for Hughes to pitch up to snuff.

The Yankees are good, not great. And that’s probably not good enough, especially when you gauge how they gouge you at the turnstiles. $5 waters and $10 beers don’t taste too hot when the team gets cold and old.

“We’ve signed three or four of the biggest free agents on the market, and we’re pretty happy with that,” Steinbrenner said. “…We’ve got some work to do, still. We need another bat. We’re not done yet.”

A person familiar with the negotiations says Nick Swisher has agreed to a $56 million, four-year contract with the Cleveland Indians. Raul Ibanez and the Seattle Mariners have agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday night.